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2019 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2019 Toyota Highlander

Midsize SUVs offer the best of both worlds. Like larger SUVs, they can handle the most difficult driving conditions with ease, but they also provide the great driving qualities and comfort of the less powerful crossover types.

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder has benefited from over three decades of refinement and improvement, and it's now a leader in its class. How does it compare with one of its major competitors, the Toyota Highlander?

2019-Nissan-Pathfinder-vs-2019-Toyota-Highlander

Starting Prices

Model Starting Price
2019 Nissan Pathfinder (Model S): $33,298
2019 Toyota Highlander (Model LX): $37,300

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Nissan is lower by a distance. But don't let this fool you that it's at the cost of quality or comfort. Which of the new 2019 Nissan Pathfinder features keep it firmly ahead of the competition?

2019-Nissan-Pathfinder-vs-2019-Toyota-Highlander-Interior-and-Design

Engine, Performance, and Economy

Even for a small car, performance is important. The differences between Nissan and Toyota are surprisingly large for vehicles in this class.

Nissan Pathfinder Toyota Highlander
Engine 3.5L V6 2.7L Inline-4
Horsepower 284hp 185hp
Transmission Full continuously variable automatic 8-speed automatic
Drive Type Front wheel Front wheel
Fuel Economy (Highway) 8.5L/100km 8.9L/100km
Fuel Economy (City) 11.6L/100km 12L/100km

The larger engine and horsepower means in most situations the Nissan has higher performance and better handling. However, this isn't at the sacrifice of fuel economy, with the Pathfinder being less thirsty than the Highlander for both city and highway driving.

What's, the continuously variable automatic transmission makes for a smoother drive, while also contributing to the fuel economy.

Infotainment and Convenience

Nissan Pathfinder Toyota Highlander
Touchscreen 8 inches, colour 6.1 inches
HD Radio Standard As an upgrade
Additional Drive-Assist Screen 4.3 inches None

Clearly, the standard Pathfinder wins out against the standard Highlander when it comes to these audio and information systems.

Safety Features

Both of these vehicles are well equipped with safety features as standard.

Nissan Pathfinder Toyota Highlander
ABS Brakes Standard Standard
Front Driver and Passenger Airbags Standard Standard
Side Driver and Passenger Airbags Standard Standard
Curtain / Overhead Airbags on Rear Rows Standard Standard

Cargo Space and Towing

Both SUVs offer ample cargo space when the seats are folded down. But how does the cargo space compare when passengers are on board?

Nissan Pathfinder Toyota Highlander
Interior Cargo Space 453L 390L
Towing Capability 2,722kg 2,268kg

As the table shows, Nissan has a significantly larger interior cargo space, as well as higher towing capacity for handling large loads.

Warranty

Both vehicles come with a comprehensive warranty as standard.

Nissan Pathfinder Toyota Highlander
Warranty Type 36 months or 60,000km, plus roadside assistance 36 months or 60,000km

However, Nissan's addition of unlimited distance roadside assistance as standard makes the Pathfinder's warranty much more attractive.

In many ways, these two vehicles are closely matched. However, the Nissan wins out when it comes to sheer performance combined with fuel economy, and its greater interior space, cargo, and towing capacity add up to make it a winning choice.

For more information, or to arrange a test drive of the 2019 Nissan pathfinder in Calgary, please contact us online, by telephone, or in person.